The Itxartu dance group commemorates its fiftieth anniversary, emphasizing the accumulated experience, research, and commitment to culture over the years. Its foundation is rooted in the post-Franco "renaissance" atmosphere in the Basque Country, a period marked by a strong desire to reclaim cultural heritage.

In its early days, Arantza Zubillaga and Iñaki Uria were key figures, conducting rehearsals with limited resources but "special energy." Today, for Itxartu, working with tradition involves not just repeating what has been inherited but also researching and preserving the origins of dances, costumes, and performance styles. Consequently, they have expanded their repertoire, cultivating dances from Gipuzkoa, Bizkaia, Lapurdi, Zuberoa, and Navarra.

Throughout the group's journey, volunteer-based work and member involvement have been crucial, despite the fact that in today's society, with the multitude of options available to young people, dance has often taken a backseat. Nevertheless, tradition continues to thrive, and the group asserts it has a "future," not merely seeking survival but actively contemplating what to do and where to go.

Among Itxartu's objectives are cultural dissemination and the promotion of the Basque language, which they achieve through dance, music, and research. For this anniversary, they have organized gatherings for musicians and will participate, as usual, in the International Folklore Festival. The group aims to maintain its popular character, emphasizing that they "preserve and bring culture to life."

The group has a structure composed of different generations and is working on new projects for the future. "Our health, as a dance group, is not at risk," stated Asier Bilbao, expressing satisfaction with the collective's current situation.